The Uganda Cricket Cranes have officially departed for Windhoek, Namibia, ahead of the high Stake 10-days Bilateral Tour , set to take place from March 16th to 26th .
The tour will see Uganda play five high-calibre matches – two Twenty20s against Namibia A and three 50-over matches, including two against the senior Namibian side, the Eagles, who have just represented the African continent at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka and India.
The five – match international tour marks head coach Steve Tikolo’s first assignment as he begins shaping the squad for abig year ahead and the tour forms a key part of Uganda’s preparation for a demanding year that carries ambitions on two fronts:
Qualification contention for One Day International (ODI) status at the ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League B in August in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Qualification for the 2028 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup through the Africa Sub-Regional Qualifiers in Nigeria in October.
Uganda head into the August Challenge League B leg unbeaten with 18 points, two clear of Italy, and will be targeting at least three victories to secure a top-two finish and progression to the next stage of the 2027 ODI World Cup qualification pathway.
The 14 man squad includes returning senior players Simon Ssesazi, Uganda’s leading T20I run-scorer, Kenneth Waiswa, who has added leadership and adaptability following a stint in the United Kingdom, and experienced pacer Bilal Hassun, whose mentorship will be key for Uganda’s young pace attack.
Senior debuts have been handed to Charles Musemeza, Anas Baig, and Gerald Olipa, rewarding consistent performances across domestic competitions, franchise cricket, and national trials.
Musemeza has quietly been one of the most consistent performers over the past two seasons, backing his batting returns with reliable wicket-keeping skills.
Baig has dominated Uganda’s domestic batting charts, finishing as the leading run-scorer in the league last season and maintaining that form in the recent Waterfalls Elite League and national trials.
He is the son of former Cricket Cranes captain Akbar Baig, continuing a strong family legacy at the national level.
Olipa, the captain of the Baby Cricket Cranes, arrives with a growing reputation after emerging as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Waterfalls Elite League, where he topped the run charts with 228 runs, including three half-centuries.
Olipa, widely regarded as one of Uganda’s brightest prospects, follows in the footsteps of his elder brother Rogers Olipa, who has previously represented both the U-19 and the senior national team.
Cricket Cranes Squad – Tour to Namibia
Riazat Ali Shah (Captain)
Robinson Obuya
Simon Ssesazi
Anas Mirza Mirza Baig
Kenneth Waiswa
Cyrus Kakuru
Charles Musemeza
Juma Miyaji
Cosmas Kyewuta
Bilal Hassun
Henry Ssenyondo
Joseph Baguma
Mathew Musinguzi
Gerald Olipa
Tour Itinerary
18th March: T20 vs Namibia A
19th March: T20 vs Namibia A
21st March: 50 Overs vs Namibia
23rd March: 50 Overs vs Namibia
25th March: 50 Overs vs Namibia A
Sounds like a really important trip for the team. I’m hoping they have a successful tour and bring home some wins!